Evolving role of immunotherapy in small cell lung cancer

Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is a highly lethal subtype of lung cancer with a particularly poor prognosis. For decades, the best available systemic therapy was platinum plus etoposide chemotherapy, which offered frequent but transient responses. Survival gains were finally realized with the addition of immune checkpoint inhibitors to first-line chemotherapy. The phase III IMpower 133 trial showed that the addition of atezolizumab to chemotherapy improved survival. The subsequent CASPIAN trial demonstrated a similar benefit with durvalumab. These results quickly established chemo-immunotherapy as the preferred initial treatment for advanced SCLC, but outcomes remain poor for most patients. Here, we review the current and evolving role of immunotherapy in SCLC and outline emerging strategies poised to further elevate the standard of care.